For some, writing comes easily. There isn’t much thought in the way of separate steps for a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a closing sentence. For others, it is hard to gather all of your thoughts and start getting them onto a page. Some of us have days of each. With the systematic approach learned through How to Write a Paragraph, those tortured minutes of staring at a blank page, unsure of how to get the ideas onto paper could be a thing of the past. And your children will probably have much improved writing too.
We have been working through the steps in How to Write a Paragraph together. We being my 3 eldest daughters and I; 3rd, 4th and 6th grades make up our little class. The lessons are written for a classroom teacher, but we have not had a problem using them in our little home school. This would be great for a co-op, too.
The steps are so easy to follow. I don’t have to know anything, just follow along from the book as the girls are ready for the next step. My eldest has been working on some other writing curricula which has assumed knowledge of paragraph writing. This has been good for her to strengthen this area. My youngest daughter working with us has been showing interest in writing stories. This is helping her to see there is a formula. She is a bit like her Mama and likes being able to plug things in to their particular place.
The lessons in How to Write a Paragraph have also helped to eliminate any hurt feelings. The corrections and suggestions for improving their writings can sometimes seem like a rejection of what they have written. When these things come from their heart, the last thing I want to do is hurt them. When we can look at the diagram or check things off the list, it takes any personal feelings out of the equation.
You can get How to Write a Paragraph in e-book format only for $7.99 or free when you are purchasing How to Teach the Five Paragraph Essay or The Complete Writing Program.
You might work through How to Write a Paragraph quickly, or find that your learner needs some more practice. It is easy to take as long as you need. All the while, practicing writing strong sentences and improving vocabulary will go a long way. The pacing spelled out in the Homeschool Writing Action Plan ($15.95 e-book or $19.95 soft cover) can guide you in planning. This is a great resource for those families that are teaching learners of various ages at once. You can even use your own materials, not only the materials from Create Better Writers, while following the Plan. Once you feel your learner is ready, you can then expand upon their paragraph writing and begin five paragraph essays. How to Teach the Five Paragraph Essay ($17.95 e-book or $22.95 soft cover) continues the step-by-step process.
I have been impressed with the results of our lessons. It has been easy to teach them all together while still expecting their work at their individual levels. My girls enjoy having their “class” together – this is why we love family learning.
Other families from the Schoolhouse Review Crew also reviewed these products from David S. Dye, M.Ed. and Create Better Writers. Be sure to read their reviews as well. You may also want to sign up for the newsletter at Create Better Writers for more tips and helps.
Disclaimer: As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received these items at no charge for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions expressed are my own.